Since the beginning of May, our Foundation has purchased and delivered 143 electric bicycles to 69 institutions (communities) in 22 oblasts of Ukraine. These bicycles have become a more reliable means of transport for delivering humanitarian aid and medical supplies. They enable social workers to reach lonely people with limited mobility in villages and small towns to provide them with the support they need. Here is some feedback from the institutions on the assistance received.
Novhorod-Siverska Hromada, Chernihivska Oblast: “The provided bicycles will significantly ease the work of social workers who serve local residents without families or whose relatives have left the community, as well as IDPs. On average, each social worker in our city is responsible for 12-13 people. We do have a certain number of regular bicycles (mechanical two-wheelers) that have been used for a long time, but they are significantly worn out due to use in all weather conditions. Therefore, the support provided is timely and important for our institution, especially since these bicycles have electric drives, allowing necessary items to be delivered to IDPs and affected residents without significant physical effort. We are very grateful to the Foundation for such substantial support.”
“There are still many IDPs who remained in the Novhorod-Siverska hromada, approximately 2,600 people. Many of them are ‘internal’ IDPs, meaning they have relocated from border villages within the community. Movements occur in waves, as new villages come under Russian artillery fire in addition to those already regularly targeted. People of all ages with various social, medical, and other protection needs are relocating. Thus, the support for the Center for the Provision of Social Services of the Novhorod-Siverskyi City Council is essential. The delivered electric bicycles will help the staff of the center to provide services more efficiently and effectively to the affected individuals and IDPs,” noted Iryna Kulyk, regional coordinator of the CO CF SSS in Chernihivska Oblast.
Balakliyska Hromada, Kharkivska Oblast: “The bicycles have significantly increased the volume of services provided and reduced the time required for their delivery. They are used to deliver food, hygiene products, drinking water, and medicines to people with disabilities, IDPs affected by the conflict, and the elderly. This is a great help for social workers who travel long distances daily to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive all necessary items at home. The bicycles ensure mobility and make their hard work comfortable. Social workers express their deep gratitude to the Foundation for the provided assistance.”
Teofipolska Hromada, Khmelnytska Oblast: “The delivered electric bicycles have made the work of social workers in the remote corners of the Teofipolska hromada easier, especially in delivering supplies to those in need. Bicycles have also reduced delivery times, allowing us to fulfill more requests in a shorter period and alleviating the physical burden on social workers, who are typically women of middle or older age. It is also gratifying that your Foundation acknowledged our community, which is far from the regional center. Thanks to everyone, and we look forward to future cooperation.”
Velykodalnytska Hromada, Odeska Oblast: “Thank you for the generous support in the form of electric bicycles! Thanks to your assistance, our social workers can easily cover long distances between villages, which is particularly important in the Velykodalnytska Hromada with its complex transportation network and extensive area.”
We procure and deliver bicycles for social workers as part of the Supporting the Capacity of the Social Protection System to Register Internally Displaced Persons project, implemented with funding from the United Nations Refugee Agency in Ukraine.
